circa. to Welcome Pianist George Winston

A nationally acclaimed pianist with local roots will launch an international children’s foundation with two February concerts in Fondren. circa. URBAN ARTISAN LIVING will present George Winston February 25 and 26 for an intimate evening of instrumental contemporary piano. Both shows are fundraisers for the Winston Project, an organization whose aim is to help disadvantaged children worldwide. Both shows begin at 7:30pm with tickets for the first night being $75. Saturday night’s show will include a meet and greet with the artist after the performance, and tickets are $100. Light appetizers will be served during this ‘all ages’ alcohol-free event. Only 150 tickets per show will be available and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or in person at circa. in Fondren.

circa. co owner Craig Escude says, as a Winston fan since high school, he is thrilled at the opportunity to host the event. Winston’s foundation has local ties in executive director Janet Schriver, a Chastain Middle School classmate of the pianist and long time friend. Schriver, whose jewelry circa. carries, was drawn to the venue for its creative space and use of colorful lighting. She believes Fondren, as the arts and entertainment district of Jackson, is the perfect place to launch a foundation whose mission is to provide prevention and intervention arts-related programs and services to MS youth to combat Juvenile Delinquency. An afterschool pilot program is in the planning stages for the Fondren District.

And because of the nature of the foundation and Escude’s ties to Mississippi State Hospital and Hudspeth Regional Center, a portion of proceeds from the two night event will benefit both. The Friends of Hudspeth and MSH will direct funds toward helping children, providing services the State often can’t.

Winston’s latest project is Love Will Come – The Music Of Vince Guaraldi, Volume 2. He is also widely known for his album December, and the series of ‘seasons’ recordings. Learn more at circaliving.com.